Dove hunting season begins at McDuffie Public Fishing Area
By Caitlin Boland

Melvin Edwards, of Crawfordville, checks his gun before the noon start time.

With the fall comes hunting season for various types of animals.
At the McDuffie Public Fishing Area on the opening day of dove season on Sept. 2, 25 hunters were able to begin hunting at noon.
Vernon Baldwin, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said this year’s hunt was changed to a quota hunt.
“In the past, there was a mad rush to get onto the field," Baldwin said. “This year, we wanted to make it a quota hunt. Other fields around here are, and I thought it would easier.”
Hunters from several areas converged on the field for opening day. Hunters ranged from a mom, dad, daughter and son to two old friends.
“I hope we have a good shoot,” said Fred Davis, as he prepared his hunting spot on the field. “I’m disabled and don’t get out of the house much, so I’m just happy to be out of the house.”
His friend, Andrew Hinson, of Grovetown, said it was great to be able to spend time together with an old friend.
The Lee family came to Dearing from Clarkesville, and another group of three men came from Crawfordville to enjoy hunting at the McDuffie Public Fishing Area.
The dove field at the McDuffie PFA is open to the public on Saturdays only during dove season. According to a DNR press release, quota hunts will be held Sept. 9, Sept. 16, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28.
According to the PFA website, the 12-acre dove field is planted with wheat. Hunters are required to have a hunting license, a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) stamp and a HIP permit. Firearms are only permitted on the dove field.
The PFA is located at 4596 Fish Hatchery Rd. in Dearing.